Each year from mid-December through February, thousands of bald eagles migrate south to winter along the Mississippi River near the lock and dams. Turbulence created below the dams provides open water and a smorgasbord of stunned fish for eagles to feast upon. In addition, the wooded bluffs that overlook the Mississippi are excellent habitat for roosting and an increasing number of cases nesting. It's not uncommon to see more than 10 eagles in one tree!
Bring your binoculars and take a trip this winter to this Upper Mississippi River region in Iowa and Illinois to catch a glimpse, perhaps for the first time, of the country's national symbol. Take part in the many bald eagle watches throughout January and February in the communities that line the banks of the Great River Road from Dubuque, Iowa, south to Quincy, Illinois. For more information on planning a winter Mississippi River getaway, visit www.TravelMississippiRiver.org
TravelMississippiRiver.org is now hosting a contest so you can win a weekend getaway this winter to go eagle watching in one of five different communities along the Mississippi River in Illinois and Iowa. Sign up today at www.TravelMississippiRiver.org
Weekend getaways include : Quad Cities, Iowa and Ill. - January 6-8. This package includes four tickets to Bald Eagle Days, the Midwest's largest event dedicated to bald eagles, and an overnight stay at the Ramada in Bettendorf, Iowa with an indoor pool and complimentary deluxe hot breakfast. Drawing will be held on December 20, 2011.
Galena/Jo Daviess County, Ill. - January 15, February 12 or 26. Pack your bags for an exquisite bald eagle watching getaway! Stay overnight at Illinois' oldest operating hotel, DeSoto House Hotel, located directly on Galena's Main Street. Enjoy breakfast for two at their Courtyard Restaurant before you board the bus for the half-day tour. Eagle Nature Foundation's Terrence Ingram will lead you on an insightful tour of bald eagle habitats, feeding habits, migration movements, life history and survival problems. Bring your binoculars and telescopes to Galena and Jo Daviess County this winter! Drawing will be held on December 27, 2011.
Muscatine, Iowa - January 27-29. This Eagles & Ivories Getaway Package includes two tickets to the Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Concert Series, an overnight stay for two at the Clarion Hotel, and $50.00 in Muscatine Chamber Bucks redeemable at restaurants, shops, and more. Drawing will be held on January 4, 2012.
Quincy, Ill. - January 28-29. The Microtel Inn & Suites in Quincy is hosting a special FAB Getaway for you and it includes food, architecture and bald eagles. Tour an exclusive East End home, as well as the Villa Kathrine, watch for bald eagles at the local lock & dam and enjoy excellent cuisine! Drawing will be held on January 4, 2012.
Henderson County, Ill. - February 4. This getaway includes a one night stay at the historical Hotel Lynn in Biggsville. Enjoy a fun-filled day of eagle watching at Lock & Dam 18 with complimentary refreshments. Many eagles will be on-site nestled in the trees along the banks of the powerful Mississippi. A copy of the new Henderson County commercial is included in your prize package so you can show your friends where you went on your trip! Drawing will be held on January 20, 2012.
More than a dozen travel & tourism groups in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois have joined forces to promote traveling along the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Visit www.TravelMississippiRiver.org or find us on Facebook to check out regional events, trendy shopping areas, charming restaurants and historic sites. Use the website to plan your next getaway!
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